Well it took some doing and like its’ historical namesake, Rasputin (the ivy) withstood many attempts to prise it away from the wall but perseverance has paid off and finally, yesterday late afternoon, the last of this annoying climber made its’ way into our brown recycling bin. But it has left its’ mark on the walls and and roof and Mud foresees a stint of house painting and roof repairs coming up in the not so distant future.
I have taken a series of photo’s of the marks and damaged caused but this plant:
From the pictures you can see just how invasive Ivy can be. Look at the shots of the fascia and you will see where vines have forced their way between the wall and the wood, causing the wood to become loose and raised away from the wall slightly. In one shot the render has been damaged to the point where a hole is clearly visible and as for the bathroom windowsill, well that’s what I found when I carefully removed the thick clump of vines from that area. The brown marks aren’t staining, by the way, they are where the roots on the underside of the vines appear to have eaten into the wall slightly, to gain purchase and Mud reckons these will have to be sanded out.
I can safely say that I will never be tempted to plant an ivy near to a building of any sort, ever again. Lesson learned!
September 5, 2014 at 10:57 am
We have an ivy mixed in with a pretty climber on the front of the house but it’s lethal and we have to remember to pull it down regularly or it is up in the gutter. Shame because it is pretty. xx
September 5, 2014 at 6:43 pm
I know. The ivy did look lovely but I think I prefer it climbing over the front gate post 10 feet from the house 😉
September 5, 2014 at 10:58 am
AND I’ve just fainted because your site has actually let me leave a comment!! 😀
September 5, 2014 at 6:43 pm
😀
September 5, 2014 at 1:01 pm
What a job!
September 5, 2014 at 6:44 pm
Yep and not one I want to repeat any time soon 🙂